Morning Star eBook

“Come,” she said, “as you may have
learned to-night, I also have some knowledge of the
hidden things. For otherwise, why did the earth
shake and the everlasting pillars fall at my bidding?
Now, between two of a trade there should be no secrets,
so I will tell you something that perhaps you have
already guessed, since I am sure that you will not
repeat it even to your master or to Merytra. For
I will add this—­that the moment you repeat
it will be the moment of your death, and the beginning
of that punishment which here I withhold. Now,
in the Name of the Eater-up of Souls, listen to me,
O fashioner of waxen images!” and, bending down,
she whispered into his ear.

Another instant, and, stark horror written on his
face, the tall shape of Kaku was seen reeling backward,
like to a drunken man. Indeed, had not Abi caught
him he would have fallen over the edge of the dais.

“What did she tell you?” he muttered,
for the Queen, who seemed to have forgotten all about
him, was looking the other way.

But, making no answer, Kaku wrenched himself free
and fled the place.

CHAPTER XIII

ABI LEARNS THE TRUTH

A moon had gone by, and on the first day of the new
month Kaku the Vizier sat in the Hall of the Great
Officers at Memphis, checking the public accounts
of the city. It was not easy work, for during
the past ten days twice these accounts had been sent
back to him by the command of the Queen, or the Pharaoh
as she called herself, with requests for information
as to their items, and other awkward queries.
Abi had overlooked such matters, recognising that
a faithful servant was worthy of his hire—­provided
that he paid himself. But now it seemed that
things were different, and that the amount received
was the exact amount that had to be handed over to
the Crown, neither more nor less. Well, there
was a large discrepancy which must be made up from
somewhere, or, in other words, from Kaku’s private
store.

In a rage he caused the two head collectors of taxes
to be brought before him, and as they would not pay,
bade the executioners throw them down and beat them
on the feet until they promised to produce the missing
sums, most of which he himself had stolen.

Then, somewhat soothed, he retired from the hall into
his own office, to find himself face to face with
Abi, who was waiting for him. So changed was
the Prince from his old, portly self, so aged and thin
and miserable did he look, that in the dusk of that
chamber Kaku failed to recognise him. Thinking
that he was some suppliant, he began to revile him
and order him to be gone. Then the fury of Abi
broke out.

Rushing at him, he seized the astrologer by the beard
and smote him on the ears, saying: “Dog,
is it thus that you speak to your king? Well,
on you at least I can revenge myself.”

“Pardon, your Majesty,” said Kaku, “I
did not know you in these shadows. Your Majesty
is changed of late.”